Saturday, August 27, 2011

Facebook: News from Councilmember Gloria: Redistricting

Friends,

As you may have heard, the City of San Diego’s Redistricting Commission approved boundaries for City Council Districts at its meeting last night. I hope this message helps clarify some of the questions you may have about the new districts.

A map of the new Council District Three is attached. Council District Three will no longer include the great communities of Kensington, Talmadge and City Heights. These communities will always mean a great deal to me and my family, and I am sorry to lose direct representation of them. I am excited, however, to continue to work with North Park, South Park, Golden Hill, University Heights, Normal Heights, Hillcrest and Balboa Park and to conquer the challenges that await me in Mission Hills, Bankers Hill, Park West, Old Town and Downtown, which are all new to Council District Three.

The map is now final, yet some mystery remains as to its effective date. Because Talmadge, Kensington and City Heights were moved to the new Council District Nine, the effective date of the new boundaries is of great interest to me. Some authorities believe that councilmembers begin representing the new districts this Fall. The City Attorney has opined that councilmembers begin representing the new districts in December 2012, following the next election cycle. I will keep you posted on what is ultimately decided on this issue. In the meantime, rest assured that my team and I will continue to work hard for you.

It is worth noting that the final map is the result of a lengthy public process and developed and approved by an all-volunteer Redistricting Commission made up of seven private citizens. I would like to thank them for their service to our City. To learn more about the Commission, please visit www.sandiego.gov/redistricting.

Whether you are in the old or the new Council District Three, I depend on your input and feedback on issues impacting you and your neighborhood. Please stay in touch with me by phone, email, Facebook or Twitter and let me know how I may best serve you.